Season Recap: October 2014
The team started October on a high with a thrilling 29-24 victory at home to Exeter Chiefs. Speaking after the game Dean Richards hailed the Falcons’ 16th man as “magnificent” for their passionate and vocal support, but refused to single out any of his players, calling the game a “strong team performance”.
Winning ways continued away to London Welsh the following week with a three try 3-23 victory after which the Falcons once again praised their travelling band of fans, Andy Saull tweeting “the Falcons supporters were on form today – I haven’t heard away support like that in a long time!”
The rampant Falcons then kicked off their European campaign with a 43-19 victory at home to Bucharest Wolves, Centre Tom Penny scoring two of the hosts’ seven tries while fellow debutants Will Witty, Chris Harris and David Nelson also added their names to the scoreboard.
The unbeaten run continued away to Newport Gwent Dragons in the subsequent round of the competition, a game the visitors were heavily tipped to lose and a night that would go on to be remembered by many at the club as the highlight of the season. The Falcons’ tactic of utilising a largely young British squad in the competition appeared to be paying off as Lock Will Witty scored his second try in two games in the 26-30 victory.
Speaking after the Dragons match, Richards said: “The game really pleased me, and I thought the young boys out there were fantastic.”
Following his European exploits, Witty was called up to the England Under 20s side, while Kieran Brookes also received a call up to the QBE Autumn Internationals. The Falcons saw a further four members of their Academy squad called up for England age grade duties in the form of Johnny McPhillips, Callum Chick and Joe Craggs (Under 18s) and Ben Stevenson (Under 17s).
Elsewhere at Kingston Park Aysgarth School were enjoying the Ultimate Rugby experience after winning a ticket sales competition that enables them to enjoy a real match day at Kingston Park, acting as home first team for the day before their big match on the stadium’s main pitch.
